Garfield County Court Records Search
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Court records in Garfield County, Colorado document the full range of legal activity that moves through the county and district courts — from criminal prosecutions and civil disputes to probate estates and domestic relations proceedings. Under Chief Justice Directive 05-01, any item collected, received, or maintained by a court or Clerk of Court — including calendars, minute orders, audio and video recordings, dockets, registers of actions, certified transcripts, orders, decrees, and judgments — constitutes an official court record. These materials serve attorneys, litigants, employers, journalists, advocacy groups, and researchers who need accurate legal documentation.
Garfield County sits within Colorado’s 9th Judicial District, which also covers Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties. The primary courthouse is located in Glenwood Springs, with an associate court in Rifle and a network of municipal courts across the county’s incorporated towns. Residents can begin locating court case information through ColoradoCourts.us, which connects users to official Colorado judicial resources, the statewide Docket Search portal, online record request tools, and contact information for individual court locations. In-person access at the courthouse and public access terminals are also available for those who prefer direct courthouse visits.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Garfield County?
There are three primary avenues for finding court case information in Garfield County: the statewide Docket Search portal, in-person visits to the courthouse, and online record requests through the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
Docket Search Portal (Free)
The Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search provides free access to limited case information. To search Garfield County records, select the appropriate judicial district, county, courthouse, and court type from the location menu. Searches can be filtered by date, case number, party name, or attorney. This tool shows docket-level information but does not provide copies of documents.
Online Record/Document Request Form
To obtain actual copies of court documents — including divorce decrees, case dispositions, or other case-specific records — submit a Record/Document Request Form through the Colorado Judicial Branch website. After submission, the applicable court will contact the requester with instructions and applicable fees.
In-Person Access
Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for free record viewing. Printed copies from these terminals carry a per-page fee. Requests for certified copies can be handled directly at the clerk’s counter during regular court hours.
Garfield County Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield County Courthouse (Combined Courts) | 109 8th Street, Suite 104, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 | (970) 928-3065 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–5:00 pm |
| Garfield County Associate Court | 200 East 18th Street, Suite 103, Rifle, CO 81650 | (970) 625-5100 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–5:00 pm |
The courthouse email for the Glenwood Springs location is GCGWSCourt@judicial.state.co.us. All persons entering the Garfield County Courthouse must pass through a security magnetometer and submit bags and containers for inspection.
Municipal Courts
Several incorporated areas in Garfield County operate their own municipal courts for local ordinance violations and misdemeanor matters:
- Glenwood Springs Municipal Court — 101 West 8th Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 | (970) 384-6530
- Rifle Municipal Court — 201 East 18th Street, Rifle, CO 81650 | (970) 665-6420
- Carbondale Municipal Court — 511 Colorado Avenue, Town Hall Room 1, Carbondale, CO 81623 | (970) 510-1206
- New Castle Municipal Court — 450 West Main Street, New Castle, CO 81647 | (970) 984-2311
- Parachute Municipal Court — 222 Grand Valley Way, Parachute, CO 81635 | (970) 665-1144
- Silt Municipal Court — 231 N. 7th Street, Silt, CO 81652 | (970) 876-2353
Are Court Records Public in Garfield County?
Yes, most Garfield County court records are open to public inspection. The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and Chief Justice Directive 05-01 together establish the framework for public access, balancing transparency with the privacy interests of case parties. The Colorado Judicial Branch’s public records access guide outlines how these policies apply to case filings, dockets, orders, and judgments across the state’s trial courts.
However, certain record categories are restricted and accessible only to case parties, attorneys, and authorized representatives. Records that are not available to the general public include:
- Adoption records
- Mental health proceedings
- Paternity records
- Judicial bypass proceedings
- Dependency and neglect records
- Juvenile delinquency records
- Probate-protected proceedings, including conservatorship, guardianship, and relinquishment
- Records sealed by court order or expunged under statute
The Criminal Justice Records Act (C.R.S. § 24-72-301 et seq.) governs criminal case records specifically, and custodians have authority under C.R.S. § 24-72-305 to deny inspection if disclosure would be contrary to the public interest or prohibited by court order. The availability of juvenile records is governed primarily by the Children’s Code (C.R.S. § 19-1-301 et seq.) and CJD 05-01.
Garfield County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Garfield County are prosecuted at two levels. The District Court — sitting as part of the 9th Judicial District — handles felony cases. The County Court handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and local ordinance violations, as well as preliminary hearings in felony cases. The 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Glenwood Springs ((970) 945-8635) manages criminal prosecutions across all three counties in the district.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case docket information is available through the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search. For more detailed case record access, submit a request through the online Record/Document Request Form, or visit the courthouse in person.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Records Division handles requests for local criminal records, incident reports, booking photos, and background checks. Requests are accepted by email, fax, mail, or in person. The division typically responds within three business days; complex or off-site requests may take longer.
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Annex
ATTN: Records
106 County Road 333A
Rifle, CO 81650
Phone: (970) 945-0453
Fax: (970) 665-0253
Email: records@garcosheriff.com
Sheriff’s Office Records Fee Schedule
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Local Background Check / Letter of Clearance | $5.00 per name |
| Copy of Reports | $0.25 per page |
| Copy of CD / Tapes (audio & video) | $5.00 each |
| Arrest Photo (mug shot, adults only) | $1.25 per photo |
| Explosive/Silencer/FFL Fingerprints | $25.00 |
| Extensive Research Deposit | $100.00 (applied to final fee) |
Payment must be received before records are released. The Sheriff’s Office notes that local background checks cover only Garfield County Sheriff’s records — each municipality maintains its own records separately.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For a statewide criminal history search, contact the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI offers two name-based options: an Internet Criminal History Check (ICHC) for $6.00, and a notarized Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) search for $13.00. Fingerprint-based checks through the Colorado Applicant Background Service (CABS) range from $16.50 to $39.50 depending on whether an FBI search is included. Reach CBI at (303) 239-4208 or through their online portal at cbi.colorado.gov.
Current jail population information is published on the Sheriff’s Office website through a Current Inmates portal updated regularly at no charge.
Garfield County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Garfield County is split between the County Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy. The County Court handles civil cases valued at under $25,000. The District Court handles civil matters in any amount and serves as the court of general jurisdiction for the county, including equity matters, appeals, and complex litigation.
Searching Civil Case Records
Case-level information for civil matters in both courts is accessible through the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search. Select Garfield County and the appropriate court type to filter results. The search accepts party name, case number, attorney name, or hearing date. This portal reflects real-time docket entries but does not provide document-level access. For certified copies of specific civil filings — such as judgments, writs, orders, or pleadings — submit an online records request or visit the clerk’s office at the Glenwood Springs courthouse.
Copy Fees
The Garfield County Clerk and Recorder charges for document copies as follows:
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Legal-size or smaller paper copies (in office) | $0.25 per page |
| Tabloid-size (11" × 17") copies | $3.00 per page |
| Convenience fee (document retrieval) | $3.00 per document |
Court Forms
Standard court forms for civil filings in Colorado are available through the Colorado Judicial Branch self-help forms library, which covers small claims, collections, evictions, and other common civil proceedings.
Garfield County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Garfield County are handled by the District Court under the 9th Judicial District. This includes divorce and legal separation, child custody and parenting time disputes, child support orders, adoption proceedings, protection orders, and domestic violence cases. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court division handles dependency and neglect cases involving children and youth.
Divorce Records
Divorce cases are filed with the District Court clerk and assigned a domestic relations case number. To obtain a copy of a divorce decree or separation agreement, submit a Record/Document Request Form identifying the parties and approximate filing date, or visit the Glenwood Springs courthouse in person. Divorce records for cases filed between 1906 and 1916 can be accessed through the Colorado State Archives Search database. For cases not found in the archives database, a Records Request submitted to the Colorado State Archives may be used. Fees for archival divorce records are $20.50 for uncertified copies of the divorce decree and $32.50 for certified copies; uncertified copies of full divorce packets are priced per page, and certified copies cost $43.50.
The Colorado Judicial Branch’s Divorce and Separation self-help section provides forms and procedural guidance for parties navigating these proceedings without an attorney.
Marriage Licenses and Certified Copies
Marriage licenses are issued by the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder. Appointments are required and available at two locations:
- Glenwood Springs: 109 8th Street, Suite 200 | Phone: (970) 384-3700, ext. 1950
- Rifle: 195 W. 14th Street, Building D | Phone: (970) 625-0882
Appointment slots are available Monday through Friday at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 pm. The license is valid upon issuance and must be used within 35 days. It must be returned to the Clerk and Recorder within 63 days after the ceremony; failure to return it on time may result in a $20 late fee plus $5 per additional day, up to a $50 maximum.
To obtain a certified copy of a marriage license, complete the Application for a Certified Copy of a Marriage License (also available in Spanish) and submit it by mail or in person. The fee is $1.50 per certified copy, payable by cash, check, or credit card.
Birth and Death Records
Certified copies of birth and death certificates for Garfield County residents are issued by the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder. Effective January 1, 2026, fees increased to $25.00 for the first certificate and $20.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Credit card payments carry a processing fee of $0.75 plus 2.25%. Office hours for vital records are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Mail requests require a completed Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application along with valid identification and payment. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also processes vital records requests online, by mail, and by appointment, applying the same standard copy fees.
Records are restricted to the registrant and immediate family members, legal guardians, legal representatives, and credentialed genealogists.
Garfield County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Garfield County rests with the District Court. Garfield County residents file petitions for probate — including estate administration, will probation, and guardianship and conservatorship matters — with the District Court clerk at the Glenwood Springs courthouse.
What Triggers Probate
Probate is required when a person dies leaving titled assets held in their name alone. The process involves filing a petition, having the will validated if one exists, inventorying the estate, satisfying creditor claims, and distributing assets to beneficiaries. When no will is present, Colorado’s intestacy statutes govern distribution.
Accessing Probate Records
Probate case records are available to the public in person at the courthouse during the following hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Researchers should bring as much identifying information as possible — including the decedent’s name and approximate filing date — to assist the clerk with locating the file. Historical probate records dating from 1885 to 1970 can be searched through the Colorado State Archives Search database. Records not found in the database may be requested from the Colorado State Archives through their online Records Request tool.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Guardianship petitions for incapacitated adults and conservatorship proceedings for individuals who cannot manage their own financial affairs are filed with the District Court as part of probate jurisdiction. These proceedings are not publicly accessible — they fall within the category of probate-protected proceedings restricted under CJD 05-01.
Contacting the Probate Clerk
For probate inquiries, contact the Garfield County Courthouse clerk’s office directly:
Garfield County Courthouse
109 8th Street, Suite 104
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone: (970) 928-3065
Email: GCGWSCourt@judicial.state.co.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm
Online case lookup for probate matters is accessible through the Colorado Judicial Branch Docket Search. For copies of specific probate documents, use the online records request form or visit the courthouse in person.